Detroit rail project faces $12 million shortfall

Matt Cullen, CEO of the M-1 Rail project, told The Detroit News additional funding being sought from the U.S. Department of Transportation is crucial, but the project could proceed without it.

Cullen says a groundbreaking is planned in about a month after seeking final permits from Detroit City Council. A failure to win further federal support, Cullen says, could require a redesign of the 3.3-mile project and a scaling back of some elements.

The newspaper reports Michigan members of Congress sent a May 1 letter urging transportation officials to approve more money.